Europe’s soft drinks industry is rooted in the European economy. It provides added value, jobs and tax revenue throughout its value chain and partners with literally thousands of business across the EU – from farmers and growers through to packaging producers, transport companies, marketing agencies, retailers, bars and cafes. Read more here about its socio-economic footprint and its response to the EU Industrial Strategy and New Generation Europe initiatives.
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Socio-Economic footprint
Europe’s soft drinks industry rooted in the European economy
BILLION
value chain across the EU – equivalent to 1.24% of EU GDP
1.7
MILLION
jobs supported – with salary payments of €26.7 billion
€30
BILLION
in tax contributions to EU member states
Next generation Europe should be green and circular

By Nicholas Hodac, UNESDA Director General
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the essential nature of Europe’s food and drink industry into sharp focus. Despite the challenges of lockdowns and border closures over recent months, the sector has managed to maintain supply and ensure that the EU’s 450 million citizens continue to be fed and refreshed. Europe’s non-alcoholic beverages sector is a local industry, working with local suppliers, farmers and bottling plants, and we have many thousands of people to thank for making sure that our production and supply continues to be maintained.
Europe’s Industrial Strategy – empowering industry and SMEs
UNESDA believes that the new long-term strategy for Europe’s industrial future strategy can serve as the crucial element that links the EU Green Deal and the growth agenda and supports European industry to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The strategy, launched by the European Commission in March 2020, looks to drive green and digital transformations that will empower industry and SMEs and we look forward to working alongside the EU institutions as they refine and begin to implement the strategy.
